I shall nevertheless always abide by it, and trust to their good sense, to their second thoughts, to the force of reason, and the progress of time.

If, after all, their decision should be unfavourable to me, I shall submit to that decision with fortitude and good humour.

It is not necessary to my happiness that I should sit in Parliament; but it is necessary to my happiness that I should possess, in Parliament or out of Parliament, the consciousness of having done what is right." Macaulay had his own ideas as to the limits within which constituents are justified in exerting their privilege of questioning a candidate; and, on the first occasion when those limits were exceeded, he made a notable example of the transgressor.

During one of his public meetings, a voice was heard to exclaim from the crowd in the body of the hall: "An elector wishes to know the religious creed of Mr.Marshall and Mr.
Macaulay." The last-named gentleman was on his legs in a moment.

"Let that man stand up!" he cried.